A major leak at the intersection of Bram Fischer Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue continues to frustrate residents, motorists, and businesses, with thousands of litres of water being lost while the problem remains unresolved.

The leak, which was said to be fixed just a few months ago, has failed again, causing new worries about how well Johannesburg Water (JW) is doing the repairs.

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Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete previously raised concerns about ageing infrastructure in the area, and followed up with the JW Randburg depot regarding the recurring problem. She also indicated that further escalation may be necessary if the matter is not addressed.

She has repeatedly escalated the leak to JW, including directly to the city manager. “The matter has been followed up with the depot management because this is not simply a small residential leak; it is a significant water loss on a major arterial road.”

She said the last response received on the matter was that it had been referred for attention. “I have not yet received the level of certainty I believe residents deserve regarding a permanent solution.”

For Cambell-Cloete and residents, repeated temporary repairs are no longer enough. They want a permanent solution and clear answers about why the same section of infrastructure continues to fail.

The ongoing leak has also renewed concerns about the city’s ability to maintain ageing water infrastructure and respond quickly to reported faults.

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The ward councillor is calling for urgent intervention, accountability, and a lasting repair before more water is wasted and the situation causes further damage to Bram Fischer Drive.

She added that she has asked Johannesburg Water for an explanation for the repeat failure. “What is concerning is the timing. If a repair carried out only about a month ago has failed again, residents are entitled to know.

“My approach is always to allow the responsible department to resolve an operational matter before escalating it further. However, if we continue receiving repairs without a sustainable solution or clear accountability, I will have no other option than to escalate this beyond the city manager.”

Questions were sent to JW on July 13 with numerous follow ups. The entity’s communication team said they are awaiting feedback from the relevant depot. Their response will be published once made available.

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